The second project was the removal of the invasive
species - Garlic Mustard at
Raccoon Creek State Park - Wildflower Reserve
DANGER: Alien
Plants are Invading our Forests!
Non-native species of
plants can seriously disrupt the natural order of
ecosystems in our forests and even in our own backyards.
Garlic Mustard poses an especially severe threat. Once
introduced to an area, garlic mustard outcompetes the
native plants by aggressively monopolizing light,
moisture, nutrients, soil and space. Wildlife species
that depend on the early plants for their foliage,
pollen, nectar, fruits, seeds and roots, are deprived of
these essential food sources when garlic mustard
replaces them. Humans are also deprived of the vibrant
display of beautiful spring wildflowers. Garlic
mustard also poses a threat to one of our rare native
insects and is toxic to the beautiful West Virginia
white butterfly.
